Around two million retirees may lose their Winter Fuel Payment this year despite expanded eligibility criteria. The payment, which can reach £300, is given to individuals born before September 22, 1959. If an individual’s income exceeds £35,000 annually, they will have to repay the Winter Fuel Payment. The repayment will be collected by HMRC through the tax system, either via a change in the tax code for PAYE recipients or through self-assessment for those who file taxes that way.
The income threshold of £35,000 is based on individual earnings, meaning one person in a household might retain their payment while another has to repay it. The deadline to opt out of receiving the Winter Fuel Payment was September 15, 2025. Payments are typically issued in November or December by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Eligible households receive £200, or £300 if there is a member aged over 80. Eligibility is determined based on the individual’s age at the end of the qualifying week, which this year falls between September 15 and 21. Those automatically eligible receive the payment if they claim certain benefits, while others must apply if they meet specific criteria.
Certain circumstances, such as being in hospital or prison during the qualifying week, or residing in a care home and receiving certain benefits, may disqualify individuals from receiving the Winter Fuel Payment. In Scotland, a new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced the Winter Fuel Payment.